Some help - 4 bore

[Grenadier1758]

The primary target of our Long Range Musket during the French and Indian War was cannon crews. We used a paper cartridge much like the paper cartridge for the Brown Bess. Starting a fire with our paper patching really wasn't a consideration, but it is now.

 

[Andy Q.]

I should have done some more conversions:

A ball of 0.985 inches would be 25.0 mm.
A ball of 0.990 inches would be 25.15 mm
the ball of 0.960 inches would be 24.4 mm.

I think for purposes of demonstration the nest of shredded hemp twine is what I would use. After firing, you could gather up the smoldering hemp and start a fire. A quick spray of some soapy water in the hemp nest would cut down on any fire hazard.

Thank you Grenadier,
I was thinking about a heavy pillow cotton or denim as patch. Both are quite easy to find.
What do you think..?

Andy

 

[Grenadier1758]

You might need a patch that is thicker than pillow cotton (ticking). You will probably need to get heavy art store canvas that is 0.635 mm thick. Be sure to wash your material to remove some of the sizing materials that provide a feeling of stiffness in the store. I would use a simple liquid lubricant to moisten the patch material when loading.

 

[Andy Q.]

You might need a patch that is thicker than pillow cotton (ticking). You will probably need to get heavy art store canvas that is 0.635 mm thick. Be sure to wash your material to remove some of the sizing materials that provide a feeling of stiffness in the store. I would use a simple liquid lubricant to moisten the patch material when loading.

Thank you....
Another thing, usually in my guns I don't put anything between powder and patched ball. May be on this case is it better to put something such as corn flour or better a felt wad..?

 

[Grenadier1758]

A felt wad will not hurt, but I doubt if a wad or corn meal is necessary.